D5ffiUNlVERS!TY,  LIBRARY 


BEFORE  THE 


SOCIETY  OF  THE  ALUMNI, 

OF  THE 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ALABAMA. 

AT  ITS  FOURTH  ANNIVERSARY. 


DECEMBER  lOth,  1839, 


BY  WALTER  H.  CRENSHAW,  A.  D/L 


TUSCALOOSA  3 

Baldwin  ;:::::1839, 


U.NiVERsiTY  OF  Alabama,  1 
December  10th,  1839.  J 

W.  H.  CrenshaiD,  Esq.  : 

Dear  Sir  .  The  Society  of  the  Alumni  of  the  University  of 
Alabama  have  delegated  us,  as  a  committee  on  behalfof  that  body 
to  convey  to  you  a  sense  of  the  high  satisfaction  which  your  very 
appropriate  and  eloquent  Oration  of  to-day  afforded  them  ;  and 
earnestly  to  request  of  you  a  copy  of  the  same  for  publication  : 
And  be  assured,  sir,  that  your  compliance  with  the  request  of  the 
..Society  will  be  received  with  unfeigned  satisfaction  by  them,  and 
with  much  interest  by  the  well-wishers  of  Literature  throughout 
the  State. 

Very  sincerely,  your  friends, 

RICHAkD  H.  RICKS,  ) 

THOS.  M.  PETERS,         >  Committee. 

W.  A.  COCHRAN.  S 


Tuscaloosa,  ) 
Dec.  12th,  1839.  > 

Genilemen: 

Your  note  of  the  10th  instant,  requesting  a  copy  of  my  ad- 
dress for  publication,  is  now  before  me.  In  reply,  permit  me  to 
say, that  I  feel  a  deep  sense  of  gratitude  for  the  flattering  manner 
in  which  you  have  noticed  the  same. 

Aware,  as  lam,  of  its  manyjmperfections,  1  would  be  induced 
to  withhold  it  from  the  public  eye,  were  it  not  for  a  sincere  de- 
sire to  contribute  my  mite  to  promote  the  objects  of  the  society 
for  which  it  was  written.  Tender  to  your  Society  my  thanks  for 
the  honor  which  it  has  conferred  on  me,  and  give  it  my  pledge  of 
an  earnest  solicitude  for  its  welfare  and  prosperity.  Accept  for 
yourselves,  gentlemen,  my  lasting  friendship  and  best^respects, 

WALTER  H.  CRENSHAW. 
Messrs.    Richard  H.  Ricks,  ) 

Thos.  M.  Peters,         >  Committee. 

WxM.  A.  Cochran,  ) 


Respected  Assembly  : 

The  object  of  this  meeting  is  to  celebrate  the  fourth  Anni- 
versary of  the  Society  of  the  Alumni,  of  the  Universit}'  of  Ala- 
bama— A  society  instituted  "  to  retain  and  perpetuate  the  asso- 
ciations of  College  life  ;  to  increase  and  preserve  unity  and  fel- 
lowship of  feeling  ;  to  promote  the  prosperity  of  our  Alma  Ma- 
ter ;  and  to  advance  at  large  the  cause  of  learning  and  morality.  " 
Such  in  the  language  of  its  constitution'  are  its  noble  purposes. 
Then,  though  the  kind  partiality  of  friends  has  placed  the  respon- 
sible duty  of  officiating  on  the  present  occasion  upon  one  so  in- 
capable of  acquitting  hinjself  with  credit,  yet  an  enlightened  au- 
ditory like  this  will  cheerfully  give  a  polite  attention  to  the  re- 
marks which  will  be  offered,  and  attribute  the  want  ofintcrest  in 
the  discourse  to  the  proper  cause. 

Fellow  Alumni  :  Tlie  revolution  of  another  year  has  con- 
vened us  at  the  temple  of  literature  and  science.  To  be  permit- 
ted to  participate  in  "the  feast  of  reason  and  the  flow  of  soul  " 
must  to  an  intelligent  mind  afford  exquisite  pleasure  :  but  to  uSy 
this  is  a  moment  of  still  greater  interest.  We  are  not  only  sacri- 
fising  at  the  shrine  of  learning  ;  but  it  is  within  those  consecrat- 
ed walls,  where  we  were  accustomed  to  bring  our  rude  offerings 
in  boyhood^s  days,  that  we  are  now  assembled.  This  is  the  ros- 
trum, on  which  we  delighted  to  display  in  beautiful  pictures  of 
the  imagination  the  harmonious  melody  of  poesy,  the  charms  of 
literature,,  and  the  profound  laws  of  science  and  philosophy. 
What  then  must  be  our  feelings  !  Is  there  one  with  a  recollec- 
tion so  dull  that  he  cannot  sketch  from  "  memory's  tablet  "  the 
pleasing  recollections  of  College  life  With  the  rapidity  of 
thought  the  thrilling  incidents  rise  to  view  ;  and  as  if  by  a  ma- 
gic wand  the  interval  of  time  is  stricken  from  being. 

We  nowrevisitthose  delightful  groves  in  thejourney  oflife,  where 
a  few  years  since  we  were  winding  our  way,  and  culling  the  ricb 


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f.  iiit  which  hung  in  clusters  on  every  hand.  To  the  eye  of  ma- 
turity new  beauties  appear,  far  brighter  than  those  seen  in  our 
tenderer  years.  We  are  again  in  the  midst  of  the  scenes  of  our 
literary  strife.  Here  the  "  midnight  taper  "  was  burned  to  un- 
ravel the  mysteries  of  science,  and  acquire  the  beauties  of  classic 
/  elegance.  Here  in  the  noble  race  we  ventured  to  climb  the 
^'  steep  on  which  fame's  proud  temple  shines  afar.  "  Nor  is  this 
all  :  when  the  mind  was  at  rest,  the  burning  ardour  of  youth  an- 
imated by  sport  would  cause  the  plain  to  ring  with  sounds  of  mirth 
and  glee — Youth  and  beauty  too  would  often  meet,  and  hold 
"  sweet  converse  "  until 

"  Soft  eyes  look'd  love  to  eyes  which  spake  again.  " 
These  are  some  of  the  more  pleasing  recollections  of  College 
life,  whic^  are  now  rapidly  passing  in  review  before  us.  Then 
have  we  a  dearer  day  than  this  f  To  perpetuate  these  associa- 
tions accDunts  in  part  for  the  organization  of  this  Society;  and 
its  anniversary  will  ever  be  greeted  as  a  welcome  messen- 
ger of  glad  tidings,  for  with  its  return  these  feelings  will  be  en- 
joyed anew.   Hence  we  have  met  to  day. 

But  you  are  not  all  present.  Time  in  his  swift  chariot  has 
rolled  on  ;  and  the  chilly  dampness  of  death  has  consigned  some 
ot  our  number  to  the  silent  tomb. — Yes,  departed  ones,  you  had 
just  launched  your  vessels  on  the  broad  ocean  of  life's  busy  world. 
As  a  reward  for  your  toil-earned  laurels,  golden  prospects  of  the 
future  were  spread  before  you.  With  hearts  that  knew  no  sorrow, 
you  bade  adieu  to  these  walls,  which  have  often  resounded  with 
your  eloquent  strains  ;  you  parted  from  your  fellows  as  a  lover 
parts  from  the  fair  idol  o^  his  affections  ;  little  thinking  you  were 
leaving  forever  a  place  to  which  you  were  bound  by  a  thousand 
ties,  and  that  you  were  looking  for  the  last  time  on  earth  at  the 
well  known  features  then  surrounding  you.  You  had  scarce 
lost  sight  of  the  pleasing  prospect  from  which  you  were  rapidly 
flying,  and  were  bending  your  anxious  thoughts  on  the  end  of 
your  distantjoi^rnev,  when  suddenly  a  gathering  storm  burst  a- 
bovo  your  heads.  Thus,  when  you  least  thought  the  distani  fu- 
ture had  arrived,  your  frail  barks  of  life  were  shattered  to  atoms, 
and  the  goal  of  your  existence  at  hand.  You  have  lett  us  : 
V  It  still  in  memory  you  are  with  us  ;  and  as  often  as  this  anni- 
bersary  returns,  a  tribute  of  respect  will  be  paid  you  by  those  of 
J.1S  who  still  remain. 

Others  too  are  absent ;    but  they  are  gently  moving  down  the 


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stream  of  time,  reaping  the  harvest  of  the  seed  sown  and  cultiva- 
ted with  so  much  care  at  this  their  Alma  Mater.  And  we  alone 
of  the  SHsall  band  have  assembled  to  feast  upon  the  past,  and 
trace  upon  historic  page  the  progress  of  intellect  and  reason. 

Fellow  Alumni :  You  have  tasted  of  the  sweets  of  literature, 
and  know  how  to  appreciate  the  valuable  treasure.  You  have 
talents  ;  for  the  diligent  use  of  which  you  are  responsible.  This 
is  a  subject  of  vast  importance  :  and  upon  no  theme  could  1  de- 
tain you,  that  w^ould  be  more  appropriate  to  the  present  occasion 
than  that  of  the  responsibility  of  American  youth.  We  are  a 
people  peculiarly  blessed.  Cast  your  eye  over  the  broad  sur- 
face of  our  land  ;  and  you  see  every  thing  to  make  happy  this 
favoured  nation.  Extending  as  it  does  from  the  snow-capt  moun- 
tains of  Maine  on  the  North  to  the  sunny  plains  of  Florida  and 
Louisiana  on  the  South,  it  embraces  every  variety  of  climate, 
soil,  and  productions.  We  see  majestic  streams  winding  through 
its  deep  and  fertile  valleys,  and  wafting  wealth  and  luxury  into 
the  bosom  of  commerce.  Where  nature  failed  to  contribute,  art 
has  supplied  the  deficiency  ;  and  the  puffing  cars  are  rattling 
over  hili  and  dale,  freighted  with  the  rich  produce  of  the  inner 
land,  and  facilitating  the  means  of  conveyance  between  places 
hitherto  scarcely  accessible.  The  forest  is  fast  falling  before  the 
inroads  of  civilizalion  ;  temples  of  learning  and  morality  are 
daily  springing  into  existence  ;  and  literature  and  science  are  rap- 
idly spreading  over  the  land.  Whimsical  man  can  here  find  what- 
ever his  fastidious  wants  may  demand-  He  can  enjoy  the  most 
salubrious  climes  in  every  variety  of  situation — on  the  mountains 
of  Vermont,  the  coasts  of  Carolina,  and  the  plains  of  Alabama. 
Does  a  pleasing  prospect  give  delight  ?  Then  climb  to  the 
summit  of  some  lofty  peak,  and  look  down  upon  the  plain  below: 
see  the  proud  growth  of  the  forest  gently  waving  in  the  breeze, 
and  imperceptibly  raising  their  towering  heads  above  each  other, 
till  in  the  distance  a  dim  line  closes  the  view  :  or  follow  the  me- 
anderings  of  the  Ohio,  the  Mississippi,  the  Hudson,  or  of  our 
own  Alabama  and  Warrior.  In  what  country  of  antiquity  will 
you  find  grander  scenery  ?  Fei-haps  you  desire  to  visit  the  smooth 
and  minor-like  surface  of  some  tranquil  lake,  and  gaze  with  rap- 
ture on  its  enchanted  imagery.  If  so,  America  can  boast  of  as 
splendid, either  for  size  or  beauty,  as  those  of  romantic  Scotland 
or  Switzerland.  Nor  can  Jtalia's  self  present  a  more  beautiful 
sky,  or  a  purer  atmosphere  than  our  own  sunny  South.  Witness 


6 

on  a  summer  eve,  when  the  sky  is  unspotted  with  a  cloud,  ifie 
departing  rays  of  the  sun  in  the  western  horizon  ;  and  see  the 
beautiful  gold  tinge  spread  upon  the  azure  vault.  How  magni- 
ficent the  scene  !  Can  tho  boasted  splendour  of  other  climes  ex- 
cel this  picture  ?  This  fair  domain  then  stands  unrivalled  in 
wealth,  in  resources,  in  beauty  of  scenery,  and  in  native  gran- 
deur. Every  thing  that  can  please  is  here  developed.  What 
a  field  for  talent ! 

But  that  which  is  dearer  still,  remains  to  be  told  :  this  is  a  land 
of  freedom,  where  enlightened  man  dwells,  unrestrained  and  un- 
fettered by  the  minions  of  power.  Go  back  with  me  to  those  days 
that  "  tried  men's  souls, "  when  our  ancestors  nobly  fought  to 
free  themselves  and  their  country  from  the  tyrant's  grasp.  With 
*'  heroic  fortitude  "  they  rushed  to  the  combat,  though  to  meet  a 
countless  foe.  Without  arms,  without  clothing,  without  every 
thing  needful  for  soldiers,  almost  in  a  state  of  starvation  they  re- 
sisted a  proud  and  powerful  enemy.  Nor  did  they  fight  in  vain  : 
by  their  well-timed  patrioti-.  n  they  have  snatched  a  terrestrial  par- 
adise from  political  thraldom, and  opened  a  door  of  "refuge  for  the 
oppressed,  and  an  asylum  for  the  poor."  We  inherit  the  rich  lega- 
cy ;  and  as  faithful  sons  it  is  our  duty  to  preserve  it  m  its  native 
purity. 

In  this  favoured  land  the  government,  the  climate,  nay  every 
thing  tends  to  the  developement  of  the  intellectual  powers.  Here 
are  the  materials  for  acquiring  an  unbounded  celebrity  in  the 
arts  and  sciences.  With  all  these  advantages  can  we  act  so  un- 
Avorthily  as  not  to  improve  those  talents  placed  under  our  care  ? 
Can  we  be  so  unmindful  of  our  duty  as  to  permit  this  fair  fabric 
to  vanish  into  air  ?  As  American  citizens  it  is  a  duty  we  owe 
our  country  to  use  our  best  endeavours  o  promote  its  prosperity 
and  happiness,  physically  and  mentally.  But  you  are  ready  to 
exclaim  with  me,  that  an  Alumnus  of  this  University  will  spare  no 
pains  to  elevate  and  maintain  the  character  of  his  country.  Then 
why  shall  we  be  dilatory  in  the  march  of  mind  ?  Why  shall  we 
look  longer  to  England  or  the  Continent  for  information  in  letters? 
Is  America  not  yet  old  enough  to  depend  upon  her  own  resour- 
ces ?  Sixty  odd  years  ago  she  proved  herself  able  to  cope  with 
the  physical  force  of  the  sen-styled  mistress  of  the  world  :  now 
let  her  exert  the  same  independence  of  mind,  and  soon  will  the 
glory  of  the  East  be  eclipsed  by  the  dazzling  lights  shining  iii 
the  West.    Let  us  then  show  that  America  has  brilliant  talents  ; 


7 


and  that  she  will,  no  longer  tamely  succumb,  and  be  dictated  to  by 
the  subjects  of  foreign  despots.  Do  you  doubt  our  ability  ?  Let 
me  point  you  to  fame's  proud  eminence,  where  is  inscribed  in  las- 
ting letters  the  names  of  a  Washington,  aDwight,  a  Jefferson,  a 
Marshall,  and  a  host  of  others,  showing  that  already  have  we  made 
noble  strides  in  the  grand  march  of  improvement.  See  whatwon- 
ders  industry  and  perseverance  in  Franklin  accomplished  :  your 
opportunities  are  greater  than  his  ;  then  let  as  profitable  account 
be  given  of  your  exertions,  and  the  day  of  our  literary  enfran- 
clnsement  will  soon  be  with  us. 

Much  has  been  done  for  the  advancement  of  science  ;  but  much 
remains  unfinished.  Do  you  want  incentive  to  action  ?  Unfurl 
the  records  of  the  past,  and  compare  the  dark  ages  with  the  pre- 
sent enlightened  state  of  mind.  Then  an  impenetrable  veil  of 
darkness  mantled  over  the  world,  and  blunted  for  a  time  the  intel- 
lect of  man.  Sunk  to  a  level  with  the  brute,  he  ceased  to  feel 
pleasure  in  knowledge  ;  but  delighted  in  gratifying  his  vicious 
propensities  at  the  expense  of  his  fellows.  War,  pestilence,  and 
iamine"  sweep  over  the  land  like  the  dreadful  simoom  of  the  de- 
sert, consuming  the  accumulated  wisdom  ofages,  the  relics  of  an- 
tiquity. Once  more  society  is  thrown  into  chaos :  all  is  confu- 
sion and  anarchy:  an  unniterrupted  scene  of  warfare  floods  the 
land  with  blood.  Dismal  scenes  of  misery  and  wo  accumulate 
upon  each  other,  until  humanity  shudders  at  the  shocking  recital. 
To  what  history  will  you  point  whose  pages  are  not  covered  with 
the  bloody  progress  of  some  mighty  chieftain  accompanied  with 
all  the  horrors  of  war.  His  contracted  mind  conceives  of  no  lof- 
ty ideas ;  he  performs  no  useful  deeds  to  transmit  his  memory  ; 
but  he  glories  alone  in  exterminating  his  race.  No  sublime 
notions  of  a  Deity,  no  pleasing  images  of  a  future  world 
enter  his  beclouded  brain.  In  the  sun  and  moon  he  fancies  to 
himself  a  divine  creator  ;  his  fruitful  superstition  has  created  a 
thousand  hideous  forms,  before  which  he  bows  in  humble  devo- 
tion, scarce  worthy  of  a  smile  of  contempt  in  this  enlightened  day. 
After  remaining  for  centuries  in  this  unhallowed  darkness,  the  in- 
tellect broke  through  the  spell;  and  like  the  phenix  rising  from 
its  ashes  it  appears  with  new  lustre. 

The  sixteenth  century  will  ever  be  noted  as  a  memorable  era 
in  the  history  of  man.  Then  as  if  invigorated  by  its  long  slum- 
ber the  mind  awoke,  refreshed  and  prepared  for  a  new  and  more 
brilhant  sphere  of  action.    The  hermits' cells,  which  for  a  thou- 


8 


sand  years  had  secreted  from  the  world,  and  preserved  from  de- 
struction the  learned  fragments  of  the  ancients,  are  opened  to 
view  ;  and  the  hidden  treasure  is  seized  with  rapturous  delight. 
An  impetus  was  now  given  ;  science  dawns  ;  art  is  added  to  art  ; 
improvements  rise  upon  improvement ;  and  every  day  gives  birth 
to  some  new  mental  phenomena.  The  wonderful  works  of  na- 
ture are  displayed  with  awful  subhmity  and  grandeur.  Super- 
stition leaves  its  long  abode,  and  true  reHgion  occupies  its  place. 
Despotism  loses  its  strong  holds, and  yields  to  the  enlightening  in- 
fluence of  literature.  What  before  appeared  mysterious  is  now 
viewed  with  pleasure.  Chemistry,  Geology,  Astronomy,  and  o- 
ther  hitherto  hidden  sciences  are  now  thoroughly  investigated. 
Elevated  by  these  powerful  leavers  man  grasps  the  systems  of  the 
universe — the  theories  of  mind  and  matter.  He  analyzes  vegeta- 
bles and  minerals;  and  shows  that  the  world  is  .composed  of  a 
few  primary  substances,  differenth^  combined  to  produce  ihe  va- 
riegated appearance.  Not  only  this  :  he  flies  into  space  ;  calcu- 
lates the  respective  distances  and  dimensions  of  the  sun, moon, and 
planets;  and  proves  by  incontestable  evidence  that  they  are  mas- 
ses of  matter  revolving  in  space. 

The  march  of  mind  has  continued  onward,  until  in  the  ebulli- 
tion of  its  zeal  its  presence  is  seen  and  felt  in  the  Western  world. 
And  now  near  a  hundred  proud  beacons  of  science  point  the  way 
to  eminence, where  a  few  years  since  terror  and  darkness  reigned. 
If  perchance  a  spirit  of  the  fourteenth  century  were  to  revisit  this 
sublunary  world, with  what  amazement  he  would  view  the  radiant 
splendour  that  now  lightens  the  scene.  So  great  the  change,  so 
different  the  pursuits  &  occupationso?  man,  that  he  would  scarce 
believe  the  evidence  of  his  senses;  and  would  sooner  imagine 
himself  on  some  fairy  land,  of  which  he  had  often  heard  marvell- 
oustales,  than  amid  the  scenes  of  his  nativity.  In  vain  would  he 
look  for  those  monuments  of  glory  which  he  imagined  were  as  last- 
ing as  time  :  lon^  since  has  every  vestige  to  tell  of  him  ceased 
to  exist.  The  powerful  efforts  of  truth  and  reason  have  prevailed; 
and  every  thing  exhibits  a  new  appearance.  Who  that  has  drank 
at  the  fount  of  learning,  is  not  pleased  with  the  wonderful  change; 
and  does  not  rejoice  in  being  a  citizen  of  the  nineteenth  century 

As  members  of  society  it  is  our  duty  to  preserve  untarnished 
the  present  refined  state  of  literature  ;  but  as  Alumni  of  this  U- 
iaiversity  we  have  something  more,  we  have  a  lasting  debt  ofgra- 
litodeto  pay.  Here  we  received  ail  the  advantages  of  a  liberal  ed- 


9 


sication  ;  and  here  our  youthful  minds  irDbibed  their  first  imjwxss- 
ions,  and  learned  to  appreciate  the  rich  stores  of  knovvled^  j  a- 
round  them.  Then  if  there  be  any  sense  of  pride  or  hor-fu  le- 
maining",  how  eager  should  we  be  to  promote  the  prospevitv  of  this 
our  Ahiia  Mater!  I  need  only  remind  you  of  yom  oijiy  %  and 
the  boiling  blood  of  patriotism  in  your  veins  will  cause  yon  with 
alacrity  to  perform  well  your  part. 

Trace  the  history  of  this  infant  State  ;  and  its  rapid  pi  ogress 
will  fill  with  amazement  the  most  skeptical  mind.  Twenty-five 
years  since,  and  Alabama  was  a  howling  wilderness,  where  rov- 
ed the  red  man  of  the  woods,  the  undisturbed  occupant  of  the 
fair  domain.  From  morn  till  night,  from  day  to  day,  the  chase 
w^as  his  favorite  and  all  absorbing  occupation.  A  child  of  na- 
ture, his  wants  were  few;  and  happiness  smiled  upon  him.  The 
intricate  mysteries  of  science  were  to  him  unknown  ;  hiS  mind 
had  slept  in  oblivion  until  mental  darkness  was  a  porti^  ♦  of  his 
nature:  He  leaves  no  record  of  the  pasttotell  of  the  or!a:io  of  his 
race  ;  but  he  lives  and  dies,  and  like  the  vilest  reptile  no  thing  re- 
mains. Then  he  and  the  white  man  were  strangers ;  r.irjce  that 
short  period  the  tide  of  civilization  has  swept  over  the  l?nd  and 
now  scarce  a  remnant  remains  to  tell  of  his  existence.  Instead  of 
his  hunting  grounds  extensive  fields  present  themselves  to  view  : 
where  stood  his  rude  wigwam,  and  v/here  smoked  his  council  fires, 
now  appear  the  stately  mansions  and  magnificent  cities  with  their 
towering  steeples,  so  suddenly  erected  as  to  seem  created  !)y  en- 
chantment. A  noble  and  gallant  race  has  rapidly  passed  from 
among  us ; 

"But  their  rnemory  liveth  on  your  hills, 

Their  baptism  on  your  shore, 
Your  everlasting  rivers  speak 

Their  dialect  of  yore.  "  , 

To  the  devotee  of  letters  this  change  is  a  source  of  pleasure  ; 
but  to  us  it  is  something  more,  for  it  is  our  natal  land — the  ^and 
of  the  South,that  is  now  receiving  the  cheering  light.  Already 
has  our  young  and  gallant  State,  though  scarce  weanef'  fr*.  ;a  its 
infancy,  exhibited  a  noble  spirit  of  improvement.  A  fev^"  years 
more,  and  her  manly  efforts  in  the  march  of  mind  will  place  her 
in  the  front  of  t  he  bright  galaxy  of  sister  States.  Then  the  gol- 
den age  of  Southern  literature  will  have  arrived,  when  ignorance 
with  its  host  of  evils  will  be  banished  fi-om  the  world.  Then  you 
will  be  pointed  to  as  bright  examples  for  the  rising  youir<  to  im- 


10 


itate;  and  it  will  be  said  of  you  with  pride,there  goes  an  Alumnus 
of  the  University  of  Alabama.  How  pleasing  the  reflection  that 
you  will  have  contributed  to  the  promotion  of  the  glorious  cause! 
You  will  then  lie  down  in  peace  with  an  approving  conscience 
testifying  that  you  have  discharged  your  duty.  Nor  will  this 
be  your  only  meed  :  your  deeds  will  be  transmitted  to  posterity, 
recorded  on  "  monuments  more  lasting  than  brass.  "  Can  you 
refer  me  to  a  greater  incentive  to  action  than  this  ?  Is  knowl- 
edge power?  then  all  should  attain  it.  Is  it  pleasure  ?  then  none 
should  be  debarred.  Is  it  a  guardian  of  liberty  ?  then  every 
freeman  should  possess  and  cherish  it. 

Alabama,  though  ofonly  twenty  years  growth,  shows  the  pre- 
sence of  civilized  society,  and  the  diffusion  of  useful  knowledge. 
But  she  has  scarcely  entered  upon  her  noble  course.  Take  a 
geographical  survey  of  the  States  :  which  one  surpasses  her  in 
natural  resources  ?  It  «iiay  with  propriety  be  called  the  garden 
spot  of  America.  What  then  shall  prevent  the  elevation  of  her 
mental  character?  Nothing  is  wanting  but  energy  on  the  part 
of  her  sons.  Do  you  ask  for  a  head  from  which  science  shall 
emanate?  Where  is  the  University  of  Alabama  ?  Why  should 
not  as  pure  a  stream  flow  from  these  walls  as  from  those  of  Har- 
vard or  Yale  ?  Of  all  the  seminaries  of  learning  now  in  the  U. 
States,Harvard  alone  surpasses  its  endowments.  With  an  exten- 
sive library  ;  with  excellent  philosophical  and  chemical  apparatus; 
with  a  faculty,which  I  am  proud  to  say,  will  vie  with  those  of  ol- 
der institutions  ;  and  with  splendid  edifices  situated  on  a  delight- 
ful plain  in  a  healthy  region,  itis  compelled  to  attract  the  rising 
generation  not  only  of  our  own,  but  of  our  sister  States.  It  is 
true  they  have  the  accumulated  light  of  ages ;  but  we  have  the 
means  of  acquiring  the  same  without  »vaiting  for  centuries  to  roll 
over  us.  An  institution,  established  with  the  funds  of  this,  has 
all  the  intrinsic  advantages  of  age  ;  for  by  our  resources  we  can 
command  the  best  of  talent.  Then  having  the  wealth  among  us, 
why  shall  we  not  open  the  valuable  mines  ?  I  would  not  have 
you  draw  geographical  lines,  and  forbear  to  mingle  with  this  or 
that  people  ;  for  we  are  all  members  of  the  same  great  family, 
and  are  bound  in  the  bonds  of  fraternal  love.  Our  sister  states 
have  exerted  their  powers,  and  displayed  to  an  admiring  world 
their  unrivalled  talents :  we  envy  them  not  then*  fame  ;  but  as 
brothers  w  e  imitate  their  worthy  example,  and  endeavour  to  sur- 
p-cd  their  glory.    This  then  is  the  bright  source  from  which  our 


11 


light  is  to  come.  Will  you  ask  another  to  pei-form  that  which 
yourself  can  do  ?  Then  why  look  abroad  for  instruction  ?  Is 
it  a  part  of  our  si  ate  pride  to  desert  her,  when  she  most  needs  our 
assistance  ?  Shall  we  tell  our  sisters  that  we  are  incompetent, 
and  must  look  to  them  for  the  diffusion  of  knowledge  ?  No  :  rath- 
er let  us  convince  them  that  they  have  scarce  removed  the  rub- 
bish, and  that  to  us  falls  the  lot  to  polish  the  bright  jewels  which 
have  so  long  mouldered  in  ruins. 

Citizens  of  Alabama  :  You  are  deserting  the  best  interests  of 
3  our  state,  when  you  refuse  to  receive  instruction  at  her  hand. 
You  have  erected  within  your  borders  a  splendid  temple  of  science; 
it  is  your  duty  to  patronize  and  encourage  it  by  your  deeds.  Your 
interests  are  centered  here  ;  then  let  your  sons  here  imbibe  the 
pleasing  draught  of  science,  and  their  early  associatioiis  will  be 
intimately  blended  with  the  vital  interests  of  your  State.  They 
will  delight  to  do  honor  to  a  State  from  which  they  have  received 
the  earliest  impressions  oftheir  duty.    With  what  mistaken  mo- 
tives, and  how  unworthy  of  yourselves  you  act,  when  you  turn 
from  your  own,  and  give  the  fostering  care  of  your  sons  to  the 
institutions  of  distant  states  !    You  do  this  ;  because  fame  per- 
chance has  rumored  that  those  are  the  colossal  statues  of  science, 
where  the  mind  bursts  into  gigantic  proportions,  and  that  at  your 
infant  seminary  only  a  slight  and  superficial  knowledge  can  be 
obtained.  Let  me  ask  upon  what  facts  you  base  your  conclusionsf 
have  you  examined  for  yourselves  ;  do  you  not  knovv  that  ru- 
mor and  truth  are  as  different  as  darkness  from  the  noon  day  sun? 
Perchance  ^'  distance  lends  enchantment  to  your  view  "  ;  re- 
member that  like  the  glaring  torch  as  we  approach  near  they 
dwindle  to  their  proper  size.  Perhaps  false  prejudice  or  pride  im- 
pels you  to  your  course  :  then  you  are  not  acting  the  part  of  a 
patriot,  and  should  at  once  correct  the  evil.   Can  you  expect 
your  literary  institutions  to  acquire  fame,  if  you  do  not  give  them 
an  opportunity  to  display  their  abilities  ?    Need  I  preach  a  hom- 
ily on  the  necessities  and  advantages  of  education  f  Fortunately 
we  have  passed  that  period.    Wherever  you  turn,  you  see  writ- 
ten in  legible  characters  its  innumerable  blessings.    The  only 
enquiry  with  you  is,  where  can  this  knowledge  be  best  obtained. 
Do  not  say  that  I  am  sectional,  when  I  reply  at  the  University  of 
Alabama.    Do  v/e  go  abroad  to  supply  ourselves  with  the  various 
necessities  of  life,  with  which  we  already  abound  ?    Then  having 
the  means,  shall  we  not  acquire  our  iiternry  attrunme2its  in  the' 


12 


same  v/ay :  To  be  remembered  a  people  must  have  action  ;  they 
must  apply  themselves  with  zeal  to  acquire  information,  otherwise 
they  scarce  occupy  a  place  on  the  pages  of  history.  How  mean- 
ly would  Alabama  act  her  part,  if  with  her  advantages  she  should 
refuse  to  awake  her  energies,  and  assume  that  elevated  station 
to  vi/hich  her  mental  abilities  entitle  her.  Too  long  already  have 
we  been  dependent  on  others. 

Let  a  literary  stranger  enter  our  land  ;  and  where  does  he 
find  the  arts  and  sciences  in  the  most  refined  state  of  cultivation  ^ 
Is  it  at  the  South  ?  No  :  he  sees  but  a  glimmering  light  having 
ratiier  he  appearance  of  the  sixteenth  century  than  of  the  pre- 
sl:..    ,  Iday.    With  amazement  too  he  views  the  scene, 

for  ,  ,  v' time  he  beliolds  a  country  abounding  in  wealth, 
and  every  way  adapted  to  i  he  expansion  of  the  intellect.  Often 
do  you  hear  it  asked,  why  does  Southern  literature  not  rise 
above  mediocrity  !  Let  nie  tell  you  why:  it  is  because  the  South 
is  not  r  oiised  to  a  sense  of  her  duty  ;  she  knows  not  the  extent 
of  r  er  abilities  ;  and  her  citizens  instead  of  educating  their  chd- 
di\  a  make  the  accumulation  of  wealth  their  sole  object,  forgetting 
thot  by  one  stroke  of  misfortune  the  exertions  of  years  may  be 
swept  away,  and  themselves  left  destitute.  So  long  a?  the  edu- 
cation of  the  youtli  of  our  land  remains  a  secondary  object,  will 
the  South  occupy  an  obscure  station  in  the  march  of  improve- 
mertt. 

Fellow  Alumni  :  It  is  a  duty  devolving  on  us  as  members  of 
this  society  to  create  "  a  change  over  the  spirit  of  our  dream.  " 
Are  you  willing  to  see  Alabama  follow  ingloriously  where  she 
shcidd  lead?  At  once  cast  off  the  slur  thrown  upon  our  charac- 
ter, aod  showto  an  amazed  world  that  our  resources  in  intellect 
are  as  unbounded  as  in  wealth.  To  you,  and  to  you  alone  must 
we  look  for  the  desired  change.  Located  in  the  various  sections 
of  the  State  you  have  the  power  to  enlighten  your  countrymen. 
Proclaim  to  themthe  many  advantages  of  education  ;  arouse  them 
from  their  lethargy,  and  teach  them  their  true  interest.  Ignorance 
and  superstition  will  yield  to  the  ai  g'uments  of  reason.  Then 
let  it  be  the  special  duty  of  each  one  of  you  to  see  that  your  own 
vicisiity  is  advancing  in  science  ;  give  your  voice  and  your  pen 
to  :  rso  idvanciurient  of  the  cause.  By  thus  exerting  your  talents 
and  is- ueDce,  you  can  in  a  few  years  revolutionize  the  m.ental 
cbai?-  .      of  your  State.  But  aire;  '  coble  strife  has  begun: 

our  hi.'Hyoib  have  taken  in  Gha'\^,.        .aiportant  .subject.  At 


13 


the  last  session  of  our  Legislature  an  annual  appropriation  of  one 
hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars  was  made  for  the  benefit  of 
schools.  Let  onr  succeeding  legislatures  continue  to  follow  this 
patriotic  example, until  the  means  of  a  liberal  education  are  plac- 
ed in  the  reach  of  every  child  in  the  State  ;  and  in  a  few  short 
years  they  will  view  with  pleasure  the  rich  fruits  of  their  legisla- 
tion. They  will  then  disc  over  that  in  appropriations  like  this 
they  have  consulted  the  welfare  of  their  State.  Then  will  have 
arrived  the  golden  age  of  literature;  and  Alabama  will  boast  of 
her  philosophers,  statesmen,  and  poets,  who  will  fill  the  highest 
niche  of  fame's  proud  temple. 

They  will  point  to  these  venerable  walls  as  the  fountain  from 
whence  they  extracted  their  fame;  and  they  will  hail  you  as  FeU 
loio  Mimini.  Then  will  Southern  literature  eclipse  the  glory  of 
its  now  sneering  superiors,  and  lighten  ibem  on  to  exalted  emi- 
nence. Reviews,  periodicals,  works  of  science  and  morality  will 
spring  from  the  fertile  genius  of  our  Alma  Mater,  until  ignorance 
is  banished  from  every  corner;  and  not  a  family  will  remain  in 
darkness.  ¥/hat  an  incentive  to  action  is  this !  Does  not  the 
tare  recital  arouse  your  feelings,  and  cause  you  to  feel  powers  ot 
mind  until  now  latent  and  unknown  ?  Your  state  pride  will  re- 
double your  fexertiuns  to  acquire  for  it  a  transcendent  reputation. 
I  shall  not  urge  you  to  your  pleasing  duty;  your  enlightened  minds 
are  ready  to  promote  the  prosperity  of  your  country.  You  are 
aware  of  the  proud  destiny  awaiting  your  State,  and  are  anima- 
ted with  a  chivalrous  spirit  to  hasten  it  or*.  Go  on  in  your  man- 
ly course;  you  cannot  serve  your  country  in  a  better  cause.  The 
time  is  not  far  distant  when  you  will  reap  the  harvest  of  your  la- 
bors, and  be  greeted  as  benefactors  of  mankind.  Then  to  be 
an  Alumnus  of  this  University  will  be  a  di^tinguished  mark  of 
honor,  dearer  to  the  wearer  than  the  magnificent  splendour  of  a 
regal  diadem. 

With  these  remarks  1  leave  you:  but  wherever  my  lot  may  be 
cast,  or  what  the  length  of  my  days,  I  shall  ever  have  an  abiding 
interest  in  the  prosperity  of  our  Alma  Mater;  and  will  look  for- 
ward wiih  pleasing  anticipation  to  the  arrival  of  thai:  day,  when 
the  trump  of  fame  shall  award  it  the  wreath  of  glory.  Yes, 
"Come  bright  improvement!  on  the  car  ot  l  ime. 
And  rule  the  spacious  world  from  clime  to  clime; 
Thy  handmaid  arts  shall  every  wild  explore. 
Trace  every  wave,  and  culture  every  shore." 


/ 


